Costa Rica has officially opened a new maximum-security mega-prison as the government steps up its efforts to combat organised crime, drug trafficking and rising levels of violence.
The facility, known as the High-Containment Centre Against Organised Crime (CACCO), was inaugurated on 14 October 2026 by President Laura Fernández. Located in Alajuela, near the capital city of San José, the prison can accommodate approximately 5,100 inmates, making it a major addition to the country’s correctional system.
The prison was built with an estimated cost of US$35 million and follows a security model inspired by El Salvador’s high-profile mega-prison under President Nayib Bukele. Its design includes five separate housing blocks, strict security controls and systems intended to prevent inmates from communicating with criminal networks outside the facility. Authorities say it is primarily intended for high-risk individuals linked to organised crime.
The opening comes as Costa Rica faces growing concerns over drug-related violence. The country recorded 905 homicides in 2023, followed by 876 in 2024 and 873 in 2025, according to figures cited by Reuters. Authorities have linked much of the violence to criminal groups fighting over drug-trafficking routes and local markets.
However, the new prison has also raised concerns about human rights, prison conditions and whether adopting El Salvador’s tough security approach will deliver lasting results. Critics warn that strict enforcement must be accompanied by safeguards to protect prisoners’ legal rights and dignity.
The first transfers of prisoners are expected to take place in late October. The government hopes the facility will strengthen its response to organised crime, although its long-term impact on public safety remains to be seen.
Main image: Daily Maverick
